THE ELICYON EDIT:
SUSTAINABLE LUXURY DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2025
THE ELICYON EDIT:
SUSTAINABLE LUXURY DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2025
Sustainable design continues to take centre stage as we strive to work more harmoniously with architecture and materials, fostering a refined balance between form, function and environmental responsibility. In recognition of World Environment Day, we have curated a considered selection of sustainable luxury design trends that we believe will define 2025. From championing antique furniture and objets d’art that honour a building’s architectural heritage, to commissioning master artisans to restore cherished heirlooms, or integrating biophilic principles to bring the tranquillity of nature indoors, sustainable design has never been more sophisticated. Add to this the understated elegance of concealed smart technologies and multi-functional spaces tailored for modern lifestyles, and it becomes clear that sustainability need not come at the expense of high-quality design. Below, we explore the most compelling eco-luxury design directions for the year ahead.
PRIORITISING ANTIQUES:
Honouring a building’s architectural language by sourcing antiques from a similar era establishes both continuity and authenticity within a space. This thoughtful approach weaves a coherent narrative, creating a distinct sense of place and permanence. Importantly, selecting antiques negates the need for new production, thereby encouraging a circular design economy.
A notable example is our recent work at 60 Curzon Street in Mayfair, an Art Deco masterpiece originally designed by the late Thierry W. Despont. Here, we sourced vintage statement pieces that complemented the architecture, such as original walnut side tables for the guest suite, antique planters for the terrace and a monumental 19th-century marble urn weighing over 300 kilograms. These heritage elements served as grounding focal points, imbuing the apartment with craftsmanship and historical gravitas.
REPURPOSING AND RESTORING:
Restoring or repurposing existing pieces, particularly those with sentimental value, imbues interiors with a sense of continuity and emotional resonance. Even threadbare or slightly damaged items can be brought back to life by skilled craftspeople. At 60 Curzon Street, we uncovered a 1936 maple wood grand piano in need of careful restoration, as well as a pair of powder-blue armchairs that, once reupholstered, became key elements of the principal bedroom scheme. Commissioning artisans to breathe new life into cherished pieces is a deeply sustainable approach, one that adds texture, memory and soul to a space. Another option, often signature to Elicyon, is the creation of bespoke furniture. This allows designers to manage material waste, select environmentally responsible finishes and repurpose off-cuts or surplus from elsewhere in the project.
WORKING WITH WHAT'S ALREADY THERE:
A sophisticated design solution often lies in embracing a building’s inherent structure and rhythm. This means working in harmony with existing architectural features, such as ceiling heights, natural light sources and structural proportions, rather than imposing radical changes. For example, when working in a traditional Victorian house, one might remove internal walls to achieve an open-plan layout; however, adding unnecessary partitions elsewhere can disrupt the flow and integrity of the space. Staircases, frequently situated in entrance halls, offer another opportunity: rather than concealing or replacing them, they can become sculptural centrepieces. In our recent Regent’s Park Apartment project, we retained and enhanced the existing base-build structure, focusing on restoration, strategic repainting and careful staining to maximise light and honour the building’s original character.
Connecting with nature:
Biophilic design continues to shape the future of interiors, forging a meaningful connection between the built environment and the natural world. This is often achieved through the use of natural materials and earthy colour palettes that reflect the outdoors, or through the introduction of greenery and water features inside the home — be it an internal courtyard, a statement olive tree, a living wall or an indoor fountain. Such elements do more than beautify a space; they deliver tangible benefits to wellbeing and air quality, especially in densely populated urban environments. Seamless transitions between interior and exterior spaces, through terraces, balconies, rooftops or gardens, further reinforce a holistic and sustainable approach to design.
Smart solutions:
Technological advances are enabling increasingly refined approaches to sustainability in high-end residential design. Whereas earlier iterations of smart systems could be visually intrusive, today’s solutions are discreet, elegant and seamlessly integrated. At Elicyon, we have implemented state-of-the-art heating and cooling systems that pair environmental sensitivity with exceptional design. Lighting is also a key consideration, both in maximising natural daylight through thoughtful spatial planning and in incorporating automated, energy-efficient lighting systems that adapt to time of day, function or mood. These intelligent technologies not only reduce energy consumption but also enhance the atmosphere and usability of each space.
Multi-functional spaces:
Another tenet of sustainable design is that a luxurious modern home must be both beautiful and agile. As our living environments increasingly serve multiple purpose, functioning as offices, wellness areas, social hubs and sanctuaries, there is a growing demand for rooms that can evolve fluidly throughout the day and across the seasons. This versatility need not come at the expense of sophistication. On the contrary, it encourages innovation: bespoke joinery, elegant room dividers and dynamic lighting schemes can be used to adapt a room’s purpose and ambience with ease. The result is a curated, intentional environment that supports contemporary living without compromising on elegance or clarity.